Construction for use as a hairdressing tool and as a steam iron

ABSTRACT

An appliance including an elongate hand-held body having a working head on one end carrying fluid dispensing means, and fluid heating means in the body for heating fluid dispensed, and selectively operable actuating means for determining the type and temperature of fluid dispensed.

United States Patent Mercer 51 Nov. 14, 1972 CONSTRUCTION FOR USE AS A [56] References Cited HAIRDRESSING TOOL AND AS A STEAM IRON UNH ED STATES PATENTS [72] Inventor: N L Mercer 575 Park 1,362,780 12/1920 Chapman ..132/112 A N Y k NY 10805 862,101 7/1907 Oswald ..132/1l2 847,872 3/1907 Allen et a1. ..132/112 [22] Filed: March 23, 1971 Primary ExaminerLouis G. Mancene [21] Appl' 127184 Assistant Examiner-Gregory E. McNeil] AttorneyLilling & Siegel [30] Fore A don Priorl Data m Y [57] I E I CT Nov. 5, 1970 Japan ..45/96889 Dec. 10, 1970 Japan ..45/109018 F P ebngm having a working head on one end carrying fluid dispensing means, and fluid heating means in the body g "Hz/m1; for heating fluid dispensed, and selectively operable [58] Field of s hWl32/9 122 33 39/96 actuating means for determmmg the type and temperature of fluid dispensed.

13 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PA'TENTED nuv 14 I972 SHEET 2 BF 3 INVESTOR NORMAN J. MERCER 2 A T T OR Nc, YS

PATENTED 3.702.616 sum 3 OF 3 IN'X'E '1" UR NORMAN J MERCER CONSTRUCTION FOR USE AS A HAIRDRESSING TOOL AND AS A STEAM IRON BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While there have, in the past, been proposed a wide variety of manual implements or applicances for use with the hair, and otherwise, these prior devices were lacking in versatility, being capable only of highly specialized use, usually being of substantial size and bulk to limit the possible applications and involve substantial costs in manufacture, storage, distribution and use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide an appliance for use in dressing the hair, and for other purposes, which is extremely versatile in operation, being relatively small and compact in size while complete in a hand-held design, and which is extremely simply in construction for economy in manufacture and durability throughout a long useful life.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an appliance of the type described in the preceding paragraph which is adapted to perform a wide variety of operations including the dispensation and application of liquids, mists, air, either together or alone, and at different temperatures, for performing various hairdressing operations, and which is further capable of use as a steaming device in the pressing of garments or other flattening or straightening operations.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an appliance having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, which is capable of quick and easy use even by inexperienced persons, to perform not only garment pressing or straightening operations, but various hairdressing or styling operations including drying, styling, waving, straightening, and the like, employing various comb, brush and other attachments.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing an appliance constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG, 3 is a longitudinal sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 3, but showing a slightly modified embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 4, and showing a workhead for use therewith.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the workhead of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial longitudinal sectional view illustrating another slightly modified embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an internal perspective view showing the interior mechanism of another slightly modified embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 is an electric schematic diagram illustrating the circuitry of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing still another embodiment of the instant invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGS. 1-3 thereof, a casing is generally designated 20, which may be of elongate hollow configuration having a main or body part 21 adapted to be grasped in the hand of a user. Extending from the main, body part 21 is a working or head portion 22.

Interiorly of the main body part 21 is fixed, by suitable mounting means, a heater 23 an aperture 24 extending therethrough. Also suitably mounted internally within the casing body part 21 is a motive means or electric motor 25, which may be provided with a shaft extension 26, and carry on the shaft extension an air movement device, blower or fan rotor 27 In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the electric heater 23 may be located adjacent to the workhead region 22, the motor 25 adjacent to the heater and remote from the workhead, and the air movement device or fan 27 remote from the heater.

Additionally, the casing body part 21 may be provided, remote from the workhead 22, with an end closure 30; and, an internal casing wall 31 may be located spaced from the end wall 30 and adjacent to the air movement device 27. Suitably mounted in the casing space between end wall 30 and internal partition wall 31, is a reservoir or tank 32 for receiving a liquid or fluid, as by removal of the casing body end wall 30 and a closure cap or plug 33. In the alternative, the closure cap or plug 33 may be removed without removing the casing body end wall 30 or, in the alternative, the casing body end wall 30 may form an integral part of the closure cap or plug 33 so that removing one removes both. In addition, it is to be understood that the tank 32 may be interchanged in position with the motor 25 without loss of efficiency of the overall unit.

Thus, the tank or reservoir 32 may contain a desired fluid or liquid, such as water. A fluid moving device or pump 34 may be associated with the reservoir 32, as by mounting therein, or outside thereof and connected by suitable conduit, for pumping the reservoir contents in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

Extending through the casing body and end wall 30 may be an electrical supply conductor or power line, connected by suitable means to the electric motive means or motor 25 and heater or radiator 23. Also, an inlet opening, or series of such openings for a fluid such as air or the like, as at 37 are formed in the casing body part 21, between the partition wall 31 and fan rotor 27, for purposes appearing presently. Such fluid inlet openings may appear at any opening at any wall of the device.

A fluid communication means or conduit 40 has one end connected to the reservoir 32, and more specifically to the outlet of pump 35, the other end of conduit 40 being connected to the heater 23. An operating mechanism is associated with the pump 35, including an arm 41 in operating relation with the pump, and a manually actuable lever 42 exteriorly of the body 21 for finger operated swinging movement by a user.

An electric switch 43 is mounted in the body 21, being suitably connected to the motor 25 and supply line 36, to operate the motor when desired. Also, an additional electric switch 44, see FIG. 1, may be connected to the heater 23 for operation of the latter in the manner desired, which operation may be automatically controlled by a conventional thermostat, as at 45. The switches 43 and 44 may include actuating slides or buttons projecting through and outwardly beyond the body 21 for finger actuation by a user. 7

In the underside or lower wall 50 of the workhead 22, there is provided a fluid dispensing outlet or opening 51, which is adapted to removably. receive a selected one of a plurality of tools or implements, as at 52 in FIG. 3. Additionally, extending from the hollow interior 24 of the heater is an elongate closed end tube, conduit or nozzle 53. The nozzle 53 is provided with fluid outlets or passageways 54 extending downwardly toward the workhead opening 51. Further, the tool or implement 52, which may be a brush, comb, or the like, is advantageously formed with passageways (not shown) through the comb back or brush back for passing fluid from the interior of the workhead 22 exteriorly thereof.

In operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, a simple cold gaseous fluid, such as air, may be dispensed, as by operation of the motor 25 and fan 27, serving to draw ambiant air inwardly through the inlet openings 37, passing the air through the body 21 and dispensing the air exteriorly through the workhead opening 51 or an implement 52 located in the workhead opening. Should it be desired to dispense heated air, it is only necessary to electrically energize the heater 23, the external heater fins 28 serving to heat the passing air, whereby a heated gaseous fluid is dispensed.

Additionally, moisture or liquid may be dispensed without air or gaseous fluid, as by opening both of the switches 43 and 44 to deenergize both the fan 27 and heater 23. Further, repeated swinging of the lever 42 effects operation of pump 35 for propelling liquid contents from the reservoir 32 through conduit 40 and heater 23, which may be deenergized, for dispensing through nozzle 53. Further, steam, vapor, or mist may be dispensed from the workhead 22 in the same manner as described in connection with liquid, except that the heater 23 is electrically energized to vaporize the liquid upon passage through the heater 24. Of course, the combination of air and liquid, or hot air and vapor may be obtained, as desired.

Considering the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, a hollow casing or body part is there generally designated 21a, and may be essentially similar to the body part 21 of the first described embodiment. That is, the body part 21a may include an end closure 30a remote from the work ing head, and an internal partition or wall 310 spaced inward from the end wall 300. Within the casing body part 21a, between the walls 30a and 310, may be a liquid reservoir or tank 320, and associated therewith a pump 35a having manually actuable means extending externally of the body part, as at 42a. Adjacent to the 1 partition wall 310 is an air blower or fan 27a connected in driven relation with respect to an electric motor 25a.

Adjacent to the electric motor 254 is an electric heater 23a, which is connected in fluid communication with the reservoir 32a, as by conduit 40a, all in substantially the same manner as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

It is to be understood that the advice as disclosed herein that the arrangement of the various elements such as the heater 23, the motor 25 and the tank 32 may be arranged in any sequence.

However, in contradistinction to the first described embodiment, an end wall of the casing body 21a, opposed to the end wall 304 is open, for replaceable securement thereto of a working head, as at 61. That is, a shortened nozzle or outlet conduit 53a extends from the heater 23a through and beyond the casing body opening 60, terminating in an open end 62.

The working head 61 is best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and includes an internal end wall 63 adapted to extend across the end opening 60 in the assembled relation, as seen in FIG. 4. The internal end wall 63 is provided with a through opening 64 for snugly receiving the dispensing conduit 53a. The working head 61 may be i of internally tubular but angulate configuration, including an upper longitudinal portion 65 extending generally longitudinally of the body 21a, and an outer, transverse, end portion 66 extending oblique to the portion 65. The distal end of the oblique portion 66 is provided with an end closure or plate 67, advantageously of metal or other suitable heat conducting material, and suitably fixed in position extending across the end of the working head, as by fasteners 68. The outer end wall or plate 67 may have its outer surface 69 generally flat and located slightly beyond the terminal portion of the working head 61, to define a generally flat surface for pressing engagement with a garment, or other material to be pressed. Further, at a plurality of locations the plate 67 is formed with through dispensing openings 70, communicating through the plate and internal tubular portions 71, so that steam or vapor dispensed through the opening 70 passes jet-like for application'in predetermined streams.

It will now be appreciated that the plate 67 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, together with the working head 61, combines to define a treating device such as a steam pressing or steam iron in operative conjunction with the hand-held body portion 21a.

For enhanced versatility, as in FIG. 7, the casing body portion 21b may be substantially identical to the casing body portion 21a, including the internal structural components, so that the dispensing tube 53b is adapted to dispense liquid or vapor, in the same manner as described hereinbefore.

Additionally, a working head 61b may include hollow elongate casing part 65b having one end open for detachable securement in communicating relation with respect to the open end 60b of body part 21b. Internally of the working head 61b may be a tubular conduit, or dispensing nozzle 55b for detachable engagement, as by a coupling portion to the open end of conduit 53b. The removable and replaceable working head 61b may be provided with a through opening 51b for removably receiving an implement 52b, such as a comb or brush, which implement may have through passageways, as at 54b for dispensing fluid from conduit 55b.

Hence, the hairdressing appliance shown in FIG. 7, including the working head 61b, may be converted from the treating device for steaming or pressing of FIGS. 4-6, by mere removal of working head 61 and replacement thereof by working head 611). Of course, return of working head 61 may be efi'ected with equal facility and speed.

An additional embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the casing having been removed for clarity of illustration, to expose the internal components thereof. Specifically, a tank or reservoir is shown at. 320, adjacent to which is illustrated an air movement device or fan 270 in driven relation with respect to a motor 25c. An electric, externally finned heater is shown at 23c, and may be connected in fluid communication with the tank 320, as by a conduit 400. Further, a valve 59 is connected in the conduit 400, being resiliently biased to a normally closed condition, and openable upon manual depression of a push button 58. A dispensing conduit or nozzle 53c extends from the interior of heater 23c for application to a hairdressing implement 520.

An electrical schematic is shown in FIG. 9, there being a double-pole double-throw switch 80 connected at one outlet terminal to the heater 23c and connected through its other outlet terminal to a voltage reducing or step-down heater 81. The heater 230 may be thermostatically controlled, as by connection through a diode 83 with one side of the motor 25c. The other side of the motor 25c and the thermostat 82 may be connected together for connection through a conductor 84 to one side of a power source (not shown). The blade of switch 80 may be connected through a conductor 85 to the other side of the power source.

In operation, upon electrical energization of the heater 23c and the motor 25c, heated air is moved for dispensing at the implement 22c, and upon opening of valve 59 liquid from tank 32c may be vaporized in heater 23 for dispensing from conduit 53c together with the air, in the form of a mist. Of course, the motor 250 and fan 270 may be operated separately from the valve 59 for dispensing only heated air; and further, the heater 230 may be deenergized for dispensing unheated air. Additionally, the heater 23c and valve 58 may be operated for dispensing only liquid or vapor.

Still another embodiment is shown in FIG. 10, wherein an appliance is generally designated d, and includes a casing body 21d of elongate configuration similar to that of the first described embodiment, for convenient manual holding by a user. At one end, the casing body 21d is closed, as by an end wall 30d, while the other end of easing body 21d opens into a working head 22d having a dispensing opening 51d for removably receiving an implement 52d.

Interiorly of the casing body 21d, adjacent to the closed end 30d, there is formed in one side wall of the casing body an air inlet opening, as at 37d. Located adjacent to the air inlet opening 37d is an air movement device 27d suitably mounted by a motor d for effecting air movement inward through the opening 37d and leftward toward the working head 22d.

Adjacent to and spaced from the motor 25d, there is mounted in the body 21d a liquid reservoir or tank 32d having suitable fill means, as at 33d for receiving a supply of water .or other liquid. Directly connected to the reservoir or tank 32d is an electric heater 23d, the tank 32d communicating with the heater 23d. An outlet nozzle or conduit 53d extends from the hollow interior of the heater 23d for dispensing fluid from the working head 22d, particularly through the opening 51d and hairdressing implement 52d. Interposed in the nozzle 53d 0s a valve 59d having an externally manually actuable push button or knob 58d. That is, the valve 59d is selectively openable by manual depression of the button or knob 58d.

Suitable electrical circuitry is provided to effect electrical operation of both the motor 25d and heater 23d, including one or more manually operable switches 43d, and a step-down resistor for applying proper voltage to the motor.

As in the previously described embodiment, the appliance 20 of FIG. 10 is selectively operable to dispense of fluid or combination of fluids such as air and/or liquid or vapor, which substances may be heated or unheated. It is to be understood that with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 10, that the heater 23d may be immersed within the tank 32d. In this alternative arrangement (not shown) would make for an obviously more compact device.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides an appliance for dressing the hair and ironing garments and the like, which is extremely simple in construction, economical in manufacture, durable and reliable in use, and which otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A compact appliance comprising: a housing of generally elongate hollow construction; said housing having a front end providing a workhead and a rear end comprising a main body portion, and being adapted to be held in the users hand; said workhead including fluid dispensing means; fluid heating means, reservoir means adapted to contain a liquid, and liquid conduit means in said body portion; said conduit means con necting said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means, and a portion thereof being in juxtaposition with said fluid heating means such that said liquid is adapted to receive heat from said fluid heating means enabling the dispensing of vapor of said liquid from said dispensing means; blower means including a motor, in said body portion, and adapted for passing air through said body portion to said workhead; means operable for energizing said fluid heating means and adapted to dispense heated or unheated fluid; said fluid heating means disposed rearwardly of said fluid dispensing means, and said blower means disposed adjacent to said fluid heating means; whereby all of said means form a compact assembly in said housing such that said appliance may be conveniently held in the palm of a user's hand during use of said appliance.

2. A compact appliance according to claim 1, wherein said blower means is disposed rearwardly of said fluid heating means.

3. A compact appliance according to claim 1, wherein said fluid heating means comprises an electri- 7 caily operated, heater adapted to heat liquid passing internally therethrough and air passing externally thereabout.

4. A compact appliance according to claim 1, including means operable for energizing said blower means and independent of said means operable for energizing said fluid heating means.

5. A compact appliance according to claim 1, in combination with pump means associated with said reservoir means for pumping liquid from said reservoir means through said fluid heating means to said fluid dispensing means.

6. A compact appliance according to claim 5, in combination with manually actuable pump operating means extending exteriorly of said main body for actuation by a user.

7. A compact appliance according to claim 1, in combination with valve means interposed in fluid communication between said reservoir means and fluid dispensing means for selectively opening and closing communication therebetween.

8. A compact appliance according to claim 7, in combination with manually actuable valve operating means extending exteriorly of said main body for actuation by a user.

9. A compact appliance according to claim 1, said workhead comprising a heat conductive plate located for engagement with said vapor, and said fluid dispensing means including ports through said heat conductive plate, for dispensing vapor to a garment being treated by engagement with said plate.

10. A compact appliance according to claim 1, said workhead further including a hair dressing implement and fluid outlet means for passing fluid proximate to said implement.

11. A compact appliance according to claim 10, said workhead further including outlet means for passing vapor proximate to said implement.

12, A compact appliance according to claim 11, in combination with pump means associated with said reservoir means for pumping liquid through said liquid conduit means.

13. A compact appliance according to claim 11, in combination with valve means interposed in fluid communication in said liquid conduit means for selectively opening and closing the latter.

UNITED STATES: PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,702,616 Dated November l4 1972 Inventor(s) Norman J. Mercer It is certified that error appearsin the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patentare hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet, insert [73] Assignee:

Englishtown Corporation, New York, N.Y. a'corporation of N'Y. Q

Signed and sealed this 8th day of May 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-105O (1-0-69) USCOMM-DC (50376-5 69 x: u.s. GOVERNMENT PRINTIKG-OFFICE IDiS o-sss-asm UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,702,616 Dat Noirember 14, 1972 Inventor-(5) Norman J. Mercer It is certified that error appearsin the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below;

On the cover sheet, insert [73] Assignee":

Engl vishtown Corporation, NewflYork, N.Y. a corporation of NQYI Q Signed and sealed this 8th day of May 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. v ROBERT GOT'ISCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents F ORM PC4050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 603764 69 #1 us. sovsnnmsm' PmmlueoFFlcg; 'ISGS o-ais-ssm 

1. A compact appliance comprising: a housing of generally elongate hollow construction; said housing having a front end providing a workhead and a rear end comprising a main body portion, and being adapted to be held in the user''s hand; said workhead including fluid dispensing means; fluid heating means, reservoir means adapted to contain a liquid, and liquid conduit means in said body portion; said conduit means connecting said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means, and a portion thereof being in juxtaposition with Said fluid heating means such that said liquid is adapted to receive heat from said fluid heating means enabling the dispensing of vapor of said liquid from said dispensing means; blower means including a motor, in said body portion, and adapted for passing air through said body portion to said workhead; means operable for energizing said fluid heating means and adapted to dispense heated or unheated fluid; said fluid heating means disposed rearwardly of said fluid dispensing means, and said blower means disposed adjacent to said fluid heating means; whereby all of said means form a compact assembly in said housing such that said appliance may be conveniently held in the palm of a user''s hand during use of said appliance.
 2. A compact appliance according to claim 1, wherein said blower means is disposed rearwardly of said fluid heating means.
 3. A compact appliance according to claim 1, wherein said fluid heating means comprises an electrically operated, heater adapted to heat liquid passing internally therethrough and air passing externally thereabout.
 4. A compact appliance according to claim 1, including means operable for energizing said blower means and independent of said means operable for energizing said fluid heating means.
 5. A compact appliance according to claim 1, in combination with pump means associated with said reservoir means for pumping liquid from said reservoir means through said fluid heating means to said fluid dispensing means.
 6. A compact appliance according to claim 5, in combination with manually actuable pump operating means extending exteriorly of said main body for actuation by a user.
 7. A compact appliance according to claim 1, in combination with valve means interposed in fluid communication between said reservoir means and fluid dispensing means for selectively opening and closing communication therebetween.
 8. A compact appliance according to claim 7, in combination with manually actuable valve operating means extending exteriorly of said main body for actuation by a user.
 9. A compact appliance according to claim 1, said workhead comprising a heat conductive plate located for engagement with said vapor, and said fluid dispensing means including ports through said heat conductive plate, for dispensing vapor to a garment being treated by engagement with said plate.
 10. A compact appliance according to claim 1, said workhead further including a hair dressing implement and fluid outlet means for passing fluid proximate to said implement.
 11. A compact appliance according to claim 10, said workhead further including outlet means for passing vapor proximate to said implement. 12, A compact appliance according to claim 11, in combination with pump means associated with said reservoir means for pumping liquid through said liquid conduit means.
 13. A compact appliance according to claim 11, in combination with valve means interposed in fluid communication in said liquid conduit means for selectively opening and closing the latter. 